Abstract:

Mining companies often face significant challenges in preventing and managing Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD). Reliable and efficient tools for geochemical data analysis are crucial for accurate risk assessment and decision-making. This study investigates the application of PowerBI, a powerful business intelligence tool, as a solution to address this challenge.

The Rio Tinto Pilbara Iron Ore operations in Western Australia collects and processes a vast amount of data every day from their multi-site operations. The challenge is being able to draw meaningful and actionable insights from diverse data sources (e.g. mining fleet, mine planning, laboratory analysis) in a timely manner. Two applications where this has been successful are presented.

Integrating automated database workflows with PowerBI reports has allowed near real-time notifications of potentially acid forming material being moved on-site, which allows appropriate mitigation measures to be put in place in a timely manner. The automated workflows mean that the correct stakeholders are notified at opportune moments to prevent mismanagement of hazardous waste material.

Clear and concise automated dashboards have been developed to facilitate early identification of water quality issues related to AMD. They streamline monitoring compliance and enable more advanced trend analysis across the mine portfolio. These dashboards provide non-technical stakeholders a standardised format to easily understand compliance status at a glance and identify any early issues that may require further investigation.

This work highlights the immense potential of automated reporting as a valuable tool for effective AMD prevention and management in the context of a large multi-site mining operation.

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Mr. Liam Crellin